The chairman of People Living With Disabilities, Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Mr Tersoo Abụ, has called on the state government to operationalise the Nigerian Disability Act 2018.
He made the appeal during the recent celebration of United Nations World Disability Day.
Nigeria’s key disability legislation, the Prohibition of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act 2018, was enacted to ensure full societal integration, prohibit discrimination, and establish the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to oversee rights in education, health, employment, and accessibility. The law, which also stipulates penalties for violations, is, however, facing implementation challenges despite a five-year grace period.
In a chat with journalists, Mr Abụ, who is also the Special Assistant to the Gboko Local Government Chairman on Disability Matters, urged the government to begin implementing the disability act recently signed into law. He further called on the government to partner with the association to promote the wellbeing of persons living with disabilities.
Mr Abụ said that government officials shunned UN World Disability Day despite official notification and lamented the continued discrimination against persons living with disabilities. He added that the group has registered as a cooperative society to facilitate access to government incentives and patronage.
He lauded the member representing Gboko East State Constituency at the Benue State House of Assembly, Chief Beckie Orpin, who, he said, graced the occasion and assured them of continued assistance and cooperation.
Mr Abụ noted that the lawmaker has presented bills at the Assembly aimed at supporting persons with disabilities, which are at advanced stages and, if passed, would bring succour to them.
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